How to Register an E-Bike in the Philippines?

E-bikes have become a popular way to get around in the Philippines because they don't need gas and only need to be charged. Learn how to obtain an LTO registration for your e-bike in this article.

Since the start of the pandemic and the continuous rise in global fuel prices, e-bikes have become a popular option for those looking to have a travel companion while saving money.

It has become a common mode of transportation on the streets and highways of the Philippines. To promote road safety, authorities, particularly in the National Capital Region, are now strictly regulating the use of e-bikes on local roads through the LTO Administrative Order 2021-039.

The Land Transportation Office's administrative order restricts the use of e-bikes and e-scooters on bicycle lanes and barangay (community) roads. They must always yield the right of way to incoming traffic. They are not permitted to pass through major thoroughfares.

There are various types of e-bikes, and some are now required for LTO registration. You can continue reading to learn about the different types of e-bikes that require registration and how to get them registered.

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What are the types of e-bikes that require LTO registration?

According to LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039, the following electric vehicle must be registered, and its driver must have a valid driver's license:

L2B Category: E-Scooter

L2B category – a three-wheeled vehicle with or without pedals, powered by electrical energy and capable of reaching a top speed of 50 km/h.

Vehicles in the L2B category can reach speeds ranging from 26 to 50 km/h. It may be permitted to extend beyond barangay roads to cover other local roads if it takes the outermost part of the road, close to the edge.

It may cross main thoroughfares and national roads only when the road it is permitted to cross is divided by the former, and it must yield the right of way to all oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard. These unit's drivers and riders are required to wear protective motorcycle helmets.

Because of its lighter construction, this type should not be used for public transportation. A valid driver's license and vehicle registration are required.

L3 Category: E-Motorcycle

L3 Category – a two-wheeled vehicle powered solely by electrical energy capable of exceeding 50 km/hr.

Vehicles in the L3 Category are permitted on all types of roads, except for limited access highways, where vehicle speeds are typically faster, except for units with higher power ratings, the minimum of which will be determined by the Department of Transportation on a separate issuance.

All drivers and riders must wear approved motorcycle helmets and have a valid motorcycle driver's license.

L4 and L5 Category: E-Tricycle/Three-Wheeled Vehicle

L4 and L5 Category – a three-wheeled motor vehicle powered solely by electrical energy, with a minimum rated power of 1000 W capable of propelling the unit to a maximum speed of 50 km/hr and a maximum curb weight of 600 kg. It is intended to transport goods, cargoes, freights, and passengers. 

These vehicles may travel beyond barangay roads to other local and tertiary national roads if the driver possesses an appropriate driver's license.

It may cross main thoroughfares and national roads only when the road it is permitted to cross is divided by the former, and it must yield the right of way to all oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard.

According to LTO, concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) may authorize these types of vehicles through an ordinance, whether private or "for hire," to traverse national highways or main thoroughfares, but they must be restricted to the outermost part of the highway.

L6 and L7 Category: E-Quad

L6 and L7 Category – a four-wheeled microcar with limited weight, power and speed. They are further classified into light electric quadricycles and heavy electric quadricycles.

According to the LTO, vehicles in the L6 and L7 categories are four-wheeled microcars that can travel beyond private and barangay roads to other local and tertiary national roads if the driver has an appropriate driver's license.

Difference between vehicles in the L6 and L7 categories:

• L6 Category – an e-Quad with an unladen mass of less than 350 kg powered solely by the electrical energy of up to 4000W and capable of propelling the unit to a top speed of 45 km/hr.
• L7 Category – an e-Quad with an unladen mass of less than 550 kg powered solely by the electrical energy of up to 15000W and capable of propelling the unit to more than 45 km/hr.

Like vehicles in the L4 and L5 categories, concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) may issue an ordinance authorizing these types of vehicles, whether private or "for hire," to travel on national highways or major thoroughfares, but they must be limited to the outermost part of the highway.

What are the initial classification and registration requirements for e-bikes in the Philippines?

According to the LTO Administrative Order, manufacturers, assemblers, and/or importers must submit the specifications of the electric vehicle model to their office, which will determine the classification and rate of MVUC under which the new model will fall, no later than three (3) months before the market introduction of any new model.

Except for emission requirements, the requirements for classification of new model electric vehicles and initial registration follow existing policies, rules, and regulations on motor vehicle registration.

Requirements for Classification

1. Classification request letter
2. Electric vehicle specifications
3. Vehicle photos submitted for classification
4. Motor Vehicle Inspection Report from LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MVIC)

Requirements for Initial Registration

1. Sales Invoice (Original)
2. Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) [Note: Before applying for CSR, a Certificate of Payment/Certification for component/s from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is required.]
3. Original PNP-HPG MV Approval
4. Appropriate Insurance Coverage Certificate
   

How do I register my e-bike in the Philippines?

If you already own an e-bike that falls into the L2b, L3, L4, L5, L6, or L7 categories, you must register it with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Regarding registration, e-bikes follow the same rules as any other motor vehicle.

You can follow the updated steps for registering an e-bike here in the Philippines:

Step 1 – Complete all of the following requirements: the original sales invoice, the certificate of stock reported (CSR), the original PNP-HPG MV clearance, and the appropriate insurance certificate of cover.

Step 2 – Proceed to the transaction counters at the LTO District Office or Provincial Office and submit all required documents to the evaluator for evaluation.

Step 3 – The authorizing officer will provide you with a fee breakdown, which you will pay at the LTO cashier.

Step 4 – Proceed to the cashier once your name is called to pay the required fees and obtain an Official Receipt (OR).

Step 5 – Once your name is called, proceed to the Releasing Counter to obtain the Certificate of Registration (CR) and other requested documents.

How much does it cost for an LTO e-bike registration?

The LTO registration fee for e-bikes depends on its corresponding Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC). You can find the related MVUC rate/fees for each e-bike category in the table below.

E-Bike Type/Category	MVUC Rate	Corresponding Fee
L2b and L3 Category	Motorcycle (without Sidecar)	₱240
L4 Category	Motorcycle (with Sidecar)	₱300
L5, L6 and L7 Category	Similar to Car "Light"	₱1,600

Conclusion

Given the continued popularity of e-bikes, particularly as fuel prices rise, it is natural for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to regulate them, particularly since riders and drivers are already using them on national highways. This is also for their safety and to ensure their e-bikes are safe.

We hope this guide is helpful to those looking to register their newly purchased e-bikes in the Philippines. You may also read the full text of the LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039 here. —iTacloban Contributor 

References:
[1] How to register your e-bike at the LTO (Published Jun 2017, Retrieved July 2022)

[2] MMDA eyes crackdown of e-bikes, e-scooters (Published June 2022)

[3] LTO Fees Guide in the Philippines 2021 (Published March 2020, Retrieved July 2022)

[4] LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039 (Retrieved July 2022)